St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office

Established in 1637, we are the oldest continuously operated sheriff's office in the USA. DIAL 911 for emergencies, 301-475-8008 non emergencies.

[St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office @firstsheriff]

✅✅UPDATE - 10/15/26 Dylan Matthew Huff has been located safe and unharmed. Thank you for your assistance.

[St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office @firstsheriff]

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Dylan Matthew Huff, age 23, of Mechanicsville.

Dylan Huff was reported missing to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office on 10/15/26. He was last seen on 10/15/26 at approximately 1123in Mechanicsville.

Dylan Huff is described as 6-2, 250 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes.

Due to medical conditions, there is concern for his welfare.

He left his residence operating a white 2025 Toyota Rav 4, bearing MD registration 70576CM.

Anyone who has seen Dylan Huff or has information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office at 301-475-8008.

[St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office @firstsheriff]

Detectives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division served search and seizure warrants on Wade Joshua Braithwaite, 33, of Lexington Park, recovering a loaded handgun and suspected cocaine and heroin on Wednesday, Oct. 14.

Following an investigation into suspected drug distribution activities, detectives obtained the warrants and located Braithwaite on Columbus Drive in Lexington Park. Detectives took Braithwaite into custody without incident. A search revealed a loaded Canik METE MC9 semiautomatic handgun with a round in the chamber and quantities of suspected cocaine and heroin indicating possession with intent to distribute. Deputies also recovered $655 in cash.

Additional deputies served search and seizure warrants at a residence in the 21000 block of St. Lo Place, where they located Braithwaite’s vehicle, a Honda Accord. Suspected controlled dangerous substance (CDS) paraphernalia was found in the vehicle.

Braithwaite was arrested and charged with 11 criminal counts, including:
•Two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled dangerous substance in sufficient quantity to indicate intent to distribute
•Two counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance
•Possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime
•Possession of a regulated firearm after having been convicted of a crime of violence
•Knowingly possessing a firearm after being convicted of a disqualifying crime
•Possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony
•Possession of ammunition after being prohibited from possessing a regulated firearm
•Two counts of wearing, carrying or transporting a loaded handgun on his person

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office at 301-475-8008.

Tips may also be submitted anonymously through tip411 by:
•Text 847411: start your message with “SMCSO”, add a space, and then your tip.
•Online: Submit a tip through the Sheriff’s Office website at https://t.co/i9PbSThcTm.
•App: Send a tip directly through the SMCSO app. Download the free app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
•Phone: For those who prefer to make a phone call, tips can also be shared through the Crime Solvers line at 301-475-3333.
With Crime Solvers, you never have to give your name. You may be eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.

[St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office @firstsheriff]

Deputies responded to 1,813 calls for service last week, continuing our commitment to protect and serve the residents of St. Mary’s County.

📍 Want to learn more about public safety activity in your area?

Visit https://t.co/0VZlkfs1r0. On the homepage, scroll down to the "I Want To..." section and select "View the Interactive Crime Map (Citizen Connect)" to explore reported incidents and public safety trends in St. Mary’s County.

[St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office @firstsheriff]

Traffic Tip Tuesday: Maryland resident with out-of-state tags?

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office reminds drivers that new vehicle registration requirements took effect October 1.

If you receive an MVA notice, you have 60 days to title and register your vehicle in Maryland, obtain an applicable nonresident permit, or provide documentation explaining why Maryland registration is not required.

Check the requirements and exceptions: https://t.co/zb59vuEA8L

[St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office @firstsheriff]

UPDATE: 10/13/26 Missing Person Investigation Continues

A coordinated search conducted by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, October 9, in the Maycroft Road area of Avenue concluded without locating missing person Thomas Campbell Bolling Von Goetz, 58. The investigation into his disappearance remains ongoing.

Von Goetz voluntarily left his residence on August 16 and is believed to have last been seen on foot in the area. He was subsequently reported missing to the Sheriff’s Office.

Von Goetz is a white male, approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall, and weighs 205 pounds. He was last seen wearing dark-colored pants and a light-colored shirt.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Helen Deitrich at 301-475-4200, ext. 8066, or [email protected].

Anonymous tips may also be submitted through tip411 by:

• Text 847411: start your message with “SMCSO”, add a space, and then your tip.
• Online: Submit a tip through the Sheriff’s Office website at https://t.co/i9PbSThcTm.
• App: Send a tip directly through the SMCSO app. Download the free app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

[St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office @firstsheriff]

PUBLIC NOTICE: Planned Police Activity in Avenue – Missing Person Investigation

Residents along Maycroft Road in Avenue should expect an increased law enforcement presence early Friday morning, Oct. 9, as the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office conducts a planned search in connection with an ongoing missing person investigation.

Deputies and other law enforcement personnel will be searching for Thomas Campbell Bolling Von Goetz, 58, who was reported missing to the Sheriff’s Office.

Von Goetz is described as a white man, approximately 6 feet, 1 inch tall and weighing 205 pounds. He is believed to have last been seen on foot near Maycroft Road on Aug. 16, wearing dark-colored pants and a light-colored shirt.

Public assistance with the search is not requested at this time. However, anyone with information about Von Goetz’s whereabouts or who may have seen him in the area is asked to contact Detective Helen Deitrich at 301-475-4200, ext. 8066, or [email protected].

Anonymous tips are also welcome through tip411:
Text: Send “SMCSO” followed by a space and your tip to 847411.
Online: https://t.co/i9PbSThcTm
App: Submit a tip through the free SMCSO app.

We appreciate the community’s understanding as law enforcement personnel conduct this search.
#FirstSheriff

[St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office @firstsheriff]

Every month, deputies with the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office respond to calls involving individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. These calls often require patience, communication, and a thoughtful approach to help ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Our monthly Mental Health Crisis Report provides a snapshot of those responses and reflects our ongoing commitment to Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training, collaboration with community partners, and connecting people with the care they need whenever possible.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988. In an emergency, call 911.
#FirstSheriff

[St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office @firstsheriff]

Motor Vehicle Accident

North Shangri La Drive near Great Mills Rd. in Lexington Park will be closed for about 30 minutes due to a motor vehicle accident.

[St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office @firstsheriff]

PUBLIC NOTICE: Planned Police Activity in Avenue – Missing Person Investigation

Residents along Maycroft Road in Avenue should expect an increased law enforcement presence early Friday morning, Oct. 9, as the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office conducts a planned search in connection with an ongoing missing person investigation.

Deputies and other law enforcement personnel will be searching for Thomas Campbell Bolling Von Goetz, 58, who was reported missing to the Sheriff’s Office.

Von Goetz is described as a white man, approximately 6 feet, 1 inch tall and weighing 205 pounds. He is believed to have last been seen on foot near Maycroft Road on Aug. 16, wearing dark-colored pants and a light-colored shirt.

Public assistance with the search is not requested at this time. However, anyone with information about Von Goetz’s whereabouts or who may have seen him in the area is asked to contact Detective Helen Deitrich at 301-475-4200, ext. 8066, or [email protected].

Anonymous tips are also welcome through tip411:
Text: Send “SMCSO” followed by a space and your tip to 847411.
Online: https://t.co/i9PbSThcTm
App: Submit a tip through the free SMCSO app.

We appreciate the community’s understanding as law enforcement personnel conduct this search.
#FirstSheriff

[St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office @firstsheriff]

✅✅UPDATE: Roads are reopened

[St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office @firstsheriff]

Motor Vehicle Accident

Hollywood Rd. & Wildflower Dr., Leonardtown - Roadway will be temporarily closed.

[St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office @firstsheriff]

Motor Vehicle Accident

Hollywood Rd. & Wildflower Dr., Leonardtown - Roadway will be temporarily closed.

[St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office @firstsheriff]

✅✅UPDATE - 10/7/26 Kevin Morgan has been located safe and unharmed. Thank you for your assistance.

[St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office @firstsheriff]

MISSING PERSON:

Kevin Morgan, 46 YOA B/M, was last seen yesterday 9/30/26 around 0930 hours when he checked out of heath care treatment in the California area. He was wearing a black hoodie, black jeans, red and white shoes, and a black backpack. If you Mr. Morgan or know his whereabouts, please contact the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office at 301-475-8008.

[St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office @firstsheriff]

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office has released its Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Report, providing a look at the work, accomplishments, and public safety efforts of our agency from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

Beyond the numbers, the report highlights the people and work behind them, from patrol and corrections to investigations, training, technology, community engagement, and partnerships throughout St. Mary’s County.

Sharing our work with the community is an important part of our commitment to transparency and accountability.

Read the report at https://t.co/0VZlkfs1r0 under Quick Links.
#FirstSheriff

[St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office @firstsheriff]

Deputies responded to 1,599 calls for service last week, continuing our commitment to protect and serve the residents of St. Mary’s County.

Want to learn more about public safety activity in your area?
Visit https://t.co/0VZlkfs1r0. On the homepage, scroll down to the "I Want To..." section and select "View the Interactive Crime Map (Citizen Connect)" to explore reported incidents and public safety trends in St. Mary’s County.

[St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office @firstsheriff]

MISSING PERSON ALERT:
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Laniya Aaliyah Leathers, age 14, of Mechanicsville, MD.

Laniya was reported missing to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office on 10/05/26. She was last seen on 10/03/26 in the area of her residence.

Laniya is described as 5'06'', 110 lbs, with brow hair and brown eyes.

Anyone who has seen Laniya or has information about [his/her/their] whereabouts is asked to contact the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office at 301-475-8008.

[St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office @firstsheriff]

Wanted: James Robert Anderson Jr., Escaped from Home Detention

LEONARDTOWN, MD (October 5, 2026) – The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the whereabouts of James Robert Anderson Jr., 44, of Great Mills, for escape.

On September 15, 2026, Deputies responded to the 21000 block of Liberty Street in Lexington Park to apprehend Anderson for violating the terms of his home detention. Anderson fled into a nearby wooded area, where he tampered with and removed his GPS monitoring device.

The suspect was on Home Detention following a conviction for CDS: Possess-Not Cannabis, and Theft Less Than $100.00.

Anderson is a white male, 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 240 pounds, with blue eyes and partially gray hair.

Anyone with information about Anderson’s whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Joseph Bowling at [email protected], or at 301-475-4200, ext. 1959. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through tip411 by:

•Text 847411: start your message with “SMCSO”, add a space, and then your tip.
•Online: Submit a tip through the Sheriff’s Office website at https://t.co/i9PbSThcTm.
•App: Send a tip directly through the SMCSO app. Download the free app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
•Phone: For those who prefer to make a phone call, tips can also be shared through the Crime Solvers line at 301-475-3333.

With Crime Solvers, you never have to give your name. You may be eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.

[St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office @firstsheriff]

The roadway at Saint Johns Road and Cedar Lane Road will be closed for approximately the next 2 hours due to a motor vehicle collision. Please avoid the area.

[St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office @firstsheriff]

UPDATE: Mark Anthony Morgan has been located.

[St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office @firstsheriff]

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the whereabouts of Mark Anthony Morgan and Jason Patrick Guy for Failure to Appear: Non-support of a child.

If you have information on the whereabouts of either subject, please contact Corporal Chad Hartzell at 240-309-5227 or Corporal Kristi Nelson at 240-538-6104.

[St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office @firstsheriff]

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the whereabouts of Mark Anthony Morgan and Jason Patrick Guy for Failure to Appear: Non-support of a child.

If you have information on the whereabouts of either subject, please contact Corporal Chad Hartzell at 240-309-5227 or Corporal Kristi Nelson at 240-538-6104.

[St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office @firstsheriff]

On Tuesday, Sept. 29, detectives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division served search and seizure warrants at a residence in the 46000 block of Chapman Drive in Lexington Park as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected drug activity.

During the search of the residence, detectives recovered six packages of suspected K-2, 48 Suboxone film packages, 43 fentanyl mixture capsules, 45.3 grams of suspected cocaine, 21.3 grams of crack cocaine, 24.2 grams of fentanyl, $3,335 in U.S. currency, and an unserialized, loaded .40-caliber handgun.

Additionally, while serving the warrants, deputies encountered multiple individuals outside the residence. Following searches, deputies recovered suspected crack cocaine, an unopened box of Suboxone sublingual film with no apparent prescription, and controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia.

Elvis Ray Brien, 35, of no fixed address, and Turez Lydell Creek, 38, of Lexington Park, were each arrested and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia.

Justin David Raley, 38, of Lexington Park, was arrested and charged with two counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance and one count of possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia.

Shameka Levae Harrod, 34, of no fixed address, was also arrested on an open warrant for outstanding theft charges.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges or arrests may follow.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office at 301-475-8008. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through tip411 by:

•Text 847411: start your message with “SMCSO”, add a space, and then your tip.
•Online: Submit a tip through the Sheriff’s Office website at https://t.co/i9PbSThcTm.
•App: Send a tip directly through the SMCSO app. Download the free app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
•Phone: For those who prefer to make a phone call, tips can also be shared through the Crime Solvers line at 301-475-3333.

With Crime Solvers, you never have to give your name. You may be eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.